Bowlers Journal Florida Open

"I was going to send my wife and son home to save some money, but now I can afford to keep them out here." So said the PBA's newest champion, Jim Murtishaw, following his victory over Hugh Miller, 226-199, in the $140,000 Bowlers Journal Florida Open, which also was his first paycheck of 1987.

The $23,000 first prize also carried with it an invitation to the 1987 Firestone Tournament of Champions and, even more important to Murtishaw, at least one year's exemption from Pro Tour Qualifier (PTO) competition.

Miller had led the tournament, co-sponsored by Bowlers Journal magazine, the Florida Bowling Proprietors' Association and Galaxy Lanes-Venice, by 346 pins entering the ABC Sports-televised championship round and watched the opening matches as Semiz overcame two 4-6-7 leaves and open frames with seven strikes, including his crucial double against Steve Martin, Kingsport, Tenn., to advance, 208-207. Next up was Dallas' Chuck Pierce, appearing in his second championship finals, who bowed to Semiz, 203-181, before Murtishaw came on the scene.

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